The Best Jazz Festivals

Passionate about music with a broad history that can still hit every note through both old and new upcoming artists? Then you may find what we have in store a bit of you. Formed in New Orleans, jazz has now become one of the most listened-to genres to this day, entwining the perfect balance of magical notes and instrumental classics. Plus the awry of artists that we have gotten under the genre makes it just that bit sweeter when consuming from, Jazzie B, Andre 3000, Anderson Pakk & The Free Nationals, Kool & The Gang, Erykah Badu and so many other greats. 

The UK has an incredibly active Jazz scene along with the festivals to go with it, with events ranging from sprawling weekend-long outdoor occasions to smaller more intimate day festivals. But, that's not where they stop. Jazz is a universal language and we've also got events from every corner of the globe. From Indonesia to the US to Scandinavia, and Mallorca; Jazz is everywhere.

So here’s our list of the best jazz festivals that you should definitely be keeping an eye on in 2024. With lineups that boast household names and up-and-coming talent, you’re certain to find a festival that speaks to you here. 

 

 

(Click on the headers or images for FAQs and more information about each festival, and make sure to secure tickets in the boxes below each event.)

 

  

Cross The Tracks

Image: Cross The Tracks on Facebook

2024 Lineup: Erykah Badu, BADBADNOTGOOD, En Vogue, Eve, Madlib (DJ), Thee Sacred Souls, Gilles Peterson, El Michaels affair and so many more!

When: Sunday 26th May 2024 

Where: Brockwell Park in London

Widely known as Brixton's #1 soul, jazz and funk festival, Cross The Tracks festival has become a staple for all lovers of soulful music down south. With 9 stages, 70 of the hottest local street food vendors, sections to explore beautifully created art, craft beer brewers, and also talks; Cross The Tracks creates a sense of unity amongst the community. 

And that’s just with the extras, when it comes to the music, Cross The Tracks is not afraid to push the boat out and bag some of the biggest names to decorate their stages with. This year however will not be one you want to miss as the OG soul and spiritually gifted Erykah Badu headlines. Amongst the list are also other amazing talents such as Erykah Badu, BADBADNOTGOOD, En Vogue, Eve, Madlib (DJ), Thee Sacred Souls, Gilles Peterson, El Michaels affair and so many more!

So get yourself down to one of the biggest events in South London and embrace the fresh air amongst the festival landscape of the luscious Brockwell Park.

 

Find more information on Cross The Tracks - here

 

---

 

We Out Here

 

Image: We Out Here on Facebook

2024 lineup: Andre 3000, Sampha, Floating Points, Kae Tempest, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Black Thought, Mala, Matthew Halsall and more 

When: Thursday 15th - Sunday 18th August 2024

Where: Wimborne St Giles in Wimborne

We Out Here is a festival for everyone, with this ethos reflected in the bold and wild-spanning programme which extends from spiritual jazz to live drum and bass, bossa nova to British funk, all represented by true pioneers and exciting emerging talent alike.

This year it's Andre 3000 who'll be hitting those musical notes, fluent in all things soulful and flutes. Alongside are : Andre 3000, Sampha, Floating Points, Kae Tempest, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Black Thought, Mala, Matthew Halsall, and many more to project an authentic mixture of jazz, and soul.  It's one of the best jazz festivals in the Uk to see Jazz acts on big stages, but the relatively intimate vibe means that the essence of the music isn't drowned out. Get those tickets, you won't regret it. 

 

Find more information on Cross The Tracks - here

 

---

 

Maiden Voyage Festival

Image: Maiden Voyage on Facebook

2024 lineup: TBA

When: Saturday 14th September 2024 

Where: Lee Valley Showground, London

Maiden Voyage is back, however, their return is a little later as Maiden Vouage returns in September, rounding off the 2024 festival season. However, if you weren't already familiar with their game, their comeback will be long-awaited, as it's possibly one of the best festivals. For those who want to attend a cracking, incredibly diverse festival without breaking the bank. Known for their mash-up of genres with an eclectic lineup of jazz, hip-hop, electronica, soul, world music, techno and more. 

Festival fans are all too familiar with the gut-wrenching feeling of your favourite artists clashing. It might be the single worst thing about music festivals. But Maiden Voyage seems all too aware of the pain themselves and took action by having the artists share the same stage to avoid any heartbreaking clashes. Perfect!

As always, ticket prices will increase with each release, so save yourself a few quid and secure your tickets now!

 

Find more information on Maiden Voyage Festival - here

 

 

---

 

Love Supreme Jazz Festival

 

Image: Love Supreme Jazz Festival on Facebook 

2024 Lineup: Chaka Khan, Mahlia, Black Pumas, Joss Stone, Jordan Rakei, Kool & The Gang, Sergio Mendes and many more still TBA

When: Friday 5th - Sunday 7th July 2024

Where: Glynde Palace, East Sussex

Since 2013 Love Supreme have been unlocking its stages working with Brighton and East Sussex’s best to bring Love Supreme Jazz Festival. The Love Supreme Jazz Festival is a 3-day festival, that is more than just music, but rather an experience allowing everyone who comes to get the most out of their time. Held in the first weekend of July, and set in the stunning surroundings of Glynde Place in the beautiful South Downs in East Sussex.

It is the first full weekend camping jazz festival in the UK, and if the lineups have anything to go off, it's going to be a real treat for any genre fans. On their radar this year covering all five of Love Supreme Jazz Festivals stages are,  Chaka Khan, Mahlia, Black Pumas, Joss Stone, Jordan Rakei, Kool & The Gang, Sergio Mendes, and many more still TBA. 

Plus after a few years out of action, Love Supreme Jazz is bringing back their is their swimming pool, Secret Swim which will create the perfect balance of sun, music, and beautiful views. 

 

Find more information on Love Supreme Jazz Festival - here

 

---

 

Mostly Jazz, Funk and Soul Festival

Image: Mostly Jazz, Funk and Soul Festival on Facebook

2024 lineup: Kool & The Gang, Craig Charles, Nuybian Twist, Cherise and more

When: Friday 12th - Sunday 14th July 2024

Where: Mosely Park in Birmingham

Another one on the list of some of the best jazz festivals is Mostly Jazz, Funk and Soul Festival based in Birmingham. This imitate festival has been running in one of Birmingham's most 'hip' areas of Moseley, and takes place on the beautiful grounds at Moseley Park. Providing the perfect ratio of international and local artists, Mostly Jazz, Funk and Soul Festival know how to keep on track providing a storm of incredible acts under those genres.  

This year they have released their Sunday lineup as it's looking juicy for those of you wanting to attend, with Kool & The Gang, Craig Charles, Nuybian Twist, and Cherise on the list to bring you some unreal jazzy groves.

The bill in 2024 might have only had one announcement so far, but it's already filled with royalty. 

 

Find more information on Mostly Jazz, Funk and Soul Festival - here

 

---

 

New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival

Image: New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival on Facebook

2024 lineup: We'll let the poster do all the talking or we'll be doing overtime...

When: Thursday 25th April - Sunday 5th May 2024

Where: Fair Grounds Race Course, New Orleans

Get the chance to experience truly authentic Jazz in its very home of New Orleans. Showing high on the list of one of the best jazz festivals, New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival is enriched with music, history, and love. Starting back in 1970, the huge event in Louisiana's biggest city lasts for over a week. With over 12 stages of music, the alumni list for this festival is quite incredible. 

Seeing as we have some spare time we'll list a few of the names hitting the stages in New Orleans this year from, Foo Fighters, The Killers, Hoizer, Anderson .Pakk & The Free Nationals, Queen Latifah, Vampire Weekend and of course so many more. But don't worry if what we've listed isn't as jazzy as you'd like, because knowing New Orleans there is going to be a tone of jazzy artists that'll hit the spot.

And with more genres than ever are on show at the festival, there can be no denying that it is a dream come true for any fan of jazz music making it one of the best jazz festivals around. 

 

---

 

Jakarta International Java Jazz Festival

 

Image: Jakarta International Java Jazz Festival on Facebook

2024 lineup: Laufey, October London, Rai Thistletwayte, Scatter The Atoms, Randy Brecker, Yakul and more

When: Friday 24th- Sunday 26th May 2024

Where: Jakarta International Expo, Jakarta

We're heading to the other side of the world with this one, all the way to Indonesia, for the biggest Jazz festival in the entire southern hemisphere, Jakarta International Java Jazz Festival, and it's back for its 19th edition. Since its establishment in 2005, the festival has become one of the biggest events on the Indonesian festival calendar, attracting more than 1,000 Jazz players from Indonesia and all across the world. 

Like every other year, Jakarta brings homegrown and international artists to its stages and this year is no different with  Laufey, October London, Rai Thistletwayte, Scatter The Atoms, Randy Brecker, Yakul set to hit the stage; and that's only a small portion of the lineup. Meaning that no matter what Jakarta will not disappoint for their beautiful jazzy affair. 

Whilst the plane ticket for this one will set you back a few bob, it'll be more than worth it, plus, you'll get he chance to explore one of the most beautiful corners of the world whilst your out there.

 

---

 

Telluride Jazz Festival

Image: Telluride Jazz Festival on Facebook

2024 lineup: Christian McBride, Angelique Kidjo, Antibalas, Marco Benevento, Say She She, Cool Cool Cool, Takuya Kuroda and many more

When: Friday 9th - Sunday 11th August 2024

Where: Telluride, Colorado

Back for their 47th edition of being of the best jazz festivals, Telluride Jazz Festival can certainly lay claim to having one of the most unique festival locations on Earth. Perched high above in the Rocky Mountains in South-west Colorado, the natural aesthetic alone is truly wonderful. Running since 1977, this historic festival is three days centred entirely around jazz.

This year is seeing the likes of, Christian McBride, Angelique Kidjo, Antibalas, Marco Benevento, Say She She, Cool Cool Cool, Takuya Kuroda and many more skilfully jazzed artists. Including Rejuvenation 50!, celebrating 50 years of The Meters iconic album Rejuvenation. 

The festival itself is small in size and makes for an intimate experience as you enjoy the works of acclaimed artists, Grammy winners and some excellent upcoming student bands. This is a unique chance to get close to some of your favourites.

 

---

 

Bricklane Jazz Fest

 

Image: Bricklane Jazz Fest on Facebook

2024 lineup: Colectiva, Oscar Jerome, Theo Crocker, Myele Manzanza, The Sihouettes Projects, Ego Ella May, OKVSHO + experience, anaiis and loads more 

When: Friday 26th - Sunday 28th April 2024

Where: The Old Truman Brewery in Greater London

Another jazz festival to watch out for happening in the heart of London is Bricklane Festival. Over three days, Bricklane Festival brings the beauty of jazz music to London's lively jazz community at the unforgettable Trueman Brewery and beyond; the perfect location for amazing seating, a good pint, and enclosed by the right space to feel every note.

This year Bricklane Jazz Festival is adding three new stages for upcoming artists to showcase their talent on, with Village Underground as their main stage. Making that 8 venues that are only a walkway from each other in total to enjoy some proper jazz. Performing on these stages are the likes of, Colectiva, Oscar Jerome, Theo Crocker, Myele Manzanza, The Sihouettes Projects, Ego Ella May, OKVSHO + experience, anaiis and loads more to keep you going all weekend. 

So if you want to be a part of the London jazz community while also supporting smaller artists making it into the jazz scene get yourself a load of Bricklane Festival. 

 

 Find more information on Bricklane Jazz Festival - here

 

---

 

Copenhagen Jazz Festival 2024

Image: Copenhagen Jazz Festival in 2024

2024 Lineup: TBA

When: Friday 5th July - Sunday 14th July 2024

Where: Rotterdam, The Netherlands

Copenhagen jazz festival is well known within Jazz circles to be one of the most esteemed, and essential Jazz festivals on the entire planet. Established in 1979, the festival, which happens over the space of 10 days, now numbers more than 100 venues, 1100 concerts, and approximately 260,000 guests. Yup, it's big.

With this in mind, you just know that it's one not to be missed, as they will be pulling out all the stops for its much-awaited return. 

Get your bag packed, your flights booked, and your ears ready, as this one is set to be the best of the lot.

 

---

 

The Modcast - Mallorca Festival

Image: The Modcast Mallorca Festival on Facebook

2024 Lineup: Eddie Pillar, Dr Bob Jones, Rocky, Dean Thatcher, Richo Suzuki, Wendy May, Gavin Page and more

When: Friday 5th - Thursday 11th July 2024 

Where: Paguera Majorca in Calvia

As shown the UK is not the only place where people like to enjoy jazz, and we have another international jazz festival here for you to get booking. Based near the beautiful Mallorca sea, The Modest is back for its third edition of jazz, r&b, ska, soul,  funk, northern soul, reggae and loads more. 

Gaining popularity as a podcast, Saraha Bolshi and Eddie Pillar have been taking their words of wisdom internationally, bringing groups of people together to enjoy a week of partying in the sun, and they're not doing it alone. Joined by, Dr Bob Jones, Rocky, Dean Thatcher, Richo Suzuki, Wendy May, Gavin Page and more. Plus if it couldn't get any better they already have a heavy itinerary full of bashful plans from, sunset boat parties, scooter ride out, beach parties and more. 

There really is no better way to feed your soul with the upmost wonderful sounds of jazz, and while it may have not been on your radar before, you may want to get looking at some flights. 

 

Find more information on The Modcast - Mallorca Festival - here

 

---

 

Good Vibrations Society Festival

 

 Image: Good Vibrations Society on Facebook

2024 Lineup: David Rodigan, Yazmin Lacey, Artful Dodger, Kele Le Rock, Gentleman's Dub Club, Jazzie B, Mungos Hi Fi and many more

When: Friday 2nd - Sunday 4th August 2024

Where: Pippingford Park in Nutley

A perfect way to wind down this list of unreal jazz festivals is by finding a festival that incorporates that festival feeling with unmissable soulful acts from around the world, and what better way to do that than with Good Society Festival. Although The Good Society Festival is not fully a jazz festival, they possess enough traits that qualify. Plus an extra festival suggestion never hurt anybody, right?  

From their strong wellness background, collaborating with the beauty of Pippingford Park, Good Vibrations Festival welcomes like-minded people to co-exist combining their love for funky sounds while being in a true festival environment. Good Vibrations Festival is the perfect place to embrace some strong elements of escapism, and even better you can do it while being surrounded by the beauty of music from different genres from, jazz, soul, reagage, drum and bass, world music and more. 

With the lineup looking strong from Soul || Soul founder, Jazzie B, to Artful Dodger, David Rodigan, and loads more variety to get stuck into. Plus if the music starts to get a bit much, which with an environment like this we hardly doubt, there is still a bucket load of things to do. From daily talks and conversation; play in an evolving playscape; explore the forest with guided walks, an onsite pub or a hearty meal in the seated restaurant.

So check out down below to see more info on one of the coolest chillest festivals we know, 

 

Find more information on Good Vibrations Society Festival - here

 

---

---

 

There are plenty of amazing jazz festivals just waiting for you to discover them and explore. However, if you're feeling inspired by something a bit more up-tempo we've got you covered. 

To also find the best, House and Techno, Trance, and EDM festivals plus any other festivals that may tickle your fancy click here.

 

---

---

 

Have these jazz festivals got you excited for festival season this year? Click here to take a look at our festival guides and choose from a whole host of events that are going ahead in 2024.

 

 

Header Image: Love Supreme Festival (Facebook)